Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Dear America, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Citizenship, Belonging, and Identity
Family, Love, and Intimacy
Immigration Politics and Policy
Journalism, Storytelling, and the Power of Truth
Summary
Analysis
Vargas consulted with more than ten lawyers, and all of them recommended against publicly telling his story. One argued that he wouldn’t be able to find a job, and another recommended that he return to publish his story from the Philippines. A third suggested he ask Congress to protect him through a private bill. But Vargas knew that he wanted to help others, too. He had made it so far thanks to the sacrifices of his family and mentors, so it was his responsibility to give back by making a sacrifice for others.
These lawyers’ suggestions underline how dangerous it would be for Vargas to publicly reveal his undocumented status. But clearly, he was willing to take this risk. He saw three great advantages to telling his story. First, by taking control of his own life story, he could close the gap between his private and public lives—and no longer have to fear being exposed. Second, by telling his story, he would fulfill his duty to others. And third, it would enable him to use his story to change the public conversation around immigration.
Themes
